Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with tuberculosis?

1. Night sweats

2. Shortness of breath

3. Excessive hair loss

4. Loss of appetite

The correct answer is: Excessive hair loss

Excessive hair loss is not a symptom typically associated with tuberculosis. Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily a respiratory infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and its symptoms generally include respiratory issues and systemic effects. Night sweats, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite are all common symptoms that patients with TB may experience. Night sweats occur due to the body's immune response to the infection, while shortness of breath can arise from pneumonia or lung involvement associated with TB. Loss of appetite frequently accompanies chronic infections like TB as the body diverts energy to fight the infection, which can lead to weight loss. In contrast, hair loss is not a recognized symptom of TB and is typically associated with other medical conditions or stress factors rather than the infection itself. This distinction highlights the specific manifestations of tuberculosis and aids in understanding its clinical presentation.